Best Spy Books

Uncover the secret world of international espionage in this thrilling classic novel. Written by a former British Intelligence agent, the story follows a spy who's desperate to end his career but is given one last mission. Tensions rise as he's sent into dangerous territory, forced to play the part of a dishonored spy in order to bring down his enemies. Full of twists and turns, this suspenseful tale is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

A retired British Intelligence officer, George Smiley, sets out to catch a Soviet mole who has penetrated the highest level of British Intelligence. The only clues he has are his wits and a small, loyal team. This bestselling book, now an Oscar-nominated feature film, comes from the New York Times bestselling author of A Legacy of Spies, John le Carré. Don't miss his new novel, Agent Running in the Field, coming October 2019.

In a shop in Soho lives Mr. Verloc, a secret agent, with his wife, her infirm mother, and her brother. Reluctantly involved in an anarchist plot to blow up the Greenwich Observatory, things go awry, unraveling a complex web involving politicians, policemen, diplomats, and London's elite society. This new edition includes a comprehensive chronology and a critical introduction that delves into Conrad's descriptions of London as a "monstrous town" plagued by madness, crime, and butchery, while also exploring contemporary anarchist activity and imperialism.

A lethal assassin with a contract to kill the world's most well-guarded man, known only as "the Jackal." As the clock ticks down to the final moments of his deadly mission, one man with a rifle may hold the power to change the course of history. A gripping tale of secrecy, danger, and high stakes.

A struggling vacuum cleaner salesman in a city with frequent powercuts is offered the chance to earn extra income by spying. But as he creates fake reports, he soon realizes that his lies are coming true, causing his web of deceit to become increasingly complicated.

Get ready for a thrilling adventure with this classic novel about an assassination plot that could change the course of European politics. After being warned by a mysterious American, Richard Hannay harbours the man, only to find him murdered. As a suspect, Hannay flees to his native Scotland, pursued by both the police and a cunning enemy. Can he solve the perplexing mystery of the "thirty-nine steps" before it's too late? First published in 1915, this gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Enter the world of Cold War espionage as Special Agent James Bond is tasked with bringing a critical decoding machine from Istanbul to London, and facing elimination by the Russian intelligence unit, SMERSH. A deadly game of bluff and double bluff ensues as Bond navigates the murky waters of the Balkans in a bid to gain the upper hand for the British Secret Service.

A sophisticated and charming secret agent, licensed to kill, takes on a mission to neutralize a high-rolling Russian operative by ruining him at the Baccarat table. But when Bond's attraction to a female agent leads him to disaster, an unexpected savior enters the game. The first of a thrilling series, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This British espionage novel revolves around a group of MI5 agents, known as the "slow horses," who have all messed up their careers in some way and are desperate to redeem themselves. The story takes place in London, where these agents collaborate to solve a kidnapping case involving a potential beheading broadcasted on live the internet. As the clock ticks, they discover hidden agendas and secrets. Will they make it in time to save the victim?

This thrilling spy novel takes place in present-day Russia, where Russian intelligence officer Dominika Egorova must navigate the treacherous world of post-Soviet espionage. Tasked with becoming a trained seductress and operating against a young CIA officer named Nathaniel Nash, Dominika and Nate's game of tradecraft quickly turns into a forbidden passion that threatens not just their lives, but those of others as well. With insider detail and authentic knowledge of espionage, counterintelligence, and much more, Red Sparrow delivers an unforgettable cast of characters and a masterful spy tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.